THE South Hams escaped the worst of the violent storms, widely predicted by the Met Office this week. But many areas did get the spectacular light show that went with the tempest. Storms were forecast for much of last week, and North Devon, central southern England and much of the Midlands were battered by torrential downpours and accompanying high winds. Even the normally dry South East got its share of the pumelling. But, for once, the South Hams emerged pretty well unscathed – apart from a few light showers and some amazing lightning strikes. And South Hams Newspapers readers were quick to take advantage of the conditions. Kingsbridge resident, Neil Williams, from Redford Estate, sent a photo to our Facebook page of the stunning lightning that he saw from his garden. And Salcombe resident, Michael Marsh, sent in another great shot of forked lightning over East Portlemouth. The Met Office is now predicting sunny days, with highs of 25°C, until Saturday which, they say, could be a bit cloudy and overcast.

To admire the spectacular photos see this week's Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette and Ivybridge and South Brent Gazette, page 5.